The letter to the Hebrews declares: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely,* and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, 2looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2
This Sunday we pause to give thanks for all of those who have witnessed to that faith, and pointed us to Jesus. We ask all who attend to bring a picture of some person, living or dead, who has helped to encourage their faith. We also take special time to remember all who have passed away, and all who have been baptized, since last All Saints Day.
Please note special worship schedule for Sunday.
Worship with Holy Communion this weekend:
Saturday – 5:00 p.m. in the chapel
Sunday – 8:30 a.m. – Single worship gathering
9:30 a.m. Annual Meeting of the congregation
(No Sunday School)
Devotions for this week (following the narrative lectionary text)
November 1, 2015 All Saints’ Day
The generations continue to come and go, as pages in a flipbook. We have heard of David and his son Solomon. The names after Solomon begin to slide out of focus, as do the rulers’ relationships with their God. Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, comes to power amid a time of division. Even as his reign begins, he faces a choice of whose advice to heed, and how he should rule.
Read:
Sunday, 1 Kings 12:1-17, The Kingdom Divided
Monday, 1 Kings 12:18-24, Jeroboam Reigns over Israel
Tuesday, 1 Kings 12:25-33, Jeroboam’s Golden Calves
Wednesday, 1 Kings 13:1-34, A Man of God from Judah
Thursday, 1 Kings 14:1-20, Judgment on the House of Jeroboam
Friday, 1 Kings 14:21-31, Rehoboam Reigns over Judah
Saturday, 1 Kings 16:24-34, Ahab Reigns
- What decision did Rehoboam make that divided the kingdom?
- What issues divide your community? How could you work to come together?
- When have you considered straying from your community? What happened? Was the issue resolved? How? How did God’s presence in your life affect the outcome?
Do: By acting on what we learn, we make God’s word come alive. Do the following activity this week.
Find out if your congregation or community has a sister congregation or a sister city. Find out what you can do to foster friendship with your sister community. Do it.
Bless: Close your devotion with a blessing.
May God bring you peace and joy through unity. Amen.
